North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School’s global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we’ve learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university’s mission and alumni needs.
The University honors 567 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students in its 124th Spring Commencement Convocation held at the Chicago campus.
Partnership with OneGoal-Chicago Celebrates its First Graduates at Spring 2017 Commencements
CHICAGO (May 15, 2017) — North Park University honors 567 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students in its 124th Spring Commencement Convocation held at the Chicago campus. For the 2016-2017 academic year, 797 degrees were awarded—a North Park school record. A commencement ceremony for undergraduates began the day followed by a commencement ceremony for advanced degree graduates, both presided over by President Dr. David L. Parkyn.
Undergraduate degrees were awarded to 357 students represented from the College of Arts and Science; School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies.
Advanced degrees were awarded to 173 graduate students who attended the School of Business and Nonprofit Management; School of Education; School of Music, Art, and Theatre; School of Nursing and Health Sciences; and School of Professional Studies as well as 37 degrees awarded to North Park Theological Seminary students.
Academic Procession
The day began with a standing, vibrant Procession of Colors, displaying the flags of the United States of America, the city of Chicago, North Park University, followed by flags representing the countries and territories in which graduates were born, are citizens, or have been residents. President Parkyn welcomed graduates and guests followed by an Invocation by Gary B. Walter, President, Evangelical Covenant Church; mid-afternoon, Provost Michael O. Emerson led the Invocation for the Graduate and School of Professional Studies Commencement Convocation.
When Faith, Learning, and Service Align—We Find Truth
At the Baccalaureate Service on Friday night, held at Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue, President Parkyn welcomed the class of 2017 and guests with reflecting on the idea, “Seek Truth.” President Parkyn then pondered some truth-related phrases he read in the New York Times such as:
The truth is hard.
The truth is hidden.
The truth must be pursued.
The truth is hard to hear.
The truth is rarely simple.
The truth isn’t so obvious.
The truth is necessary.
Acknowledging that seeking truth is a process, President Parkyn summarizes, “We’re talking of seeking truth—a mandate that requires a journey as long as life itself.” He then continues describing the education at North Park as one in which faith, learning, and service meet. He adds, “When these three meet—faith, learning, and service—we find truth.”
North Park and OneGoal-Chicago: Partnering to Bring Students to Graduation
Spring 2017 Commencements marks its first year of graduating two students as part of OneGoal-Chicago. The partnership is built on “increasing enrollment, diversifying student body, and getting students to graduation,” says President Parkyn.
OneGoal-Chicago and North Park began their partnership over four years ago by being selected as an institution for believing in educating the diverse needs of low-income, first-generation, and students of color. “We have since embarked on a collaborative journey to ensure that we stay grounded in our shared commitment to prioritize student needs and ultimate success in all that we set out to do,” says Nandi Bhargava, Director of Postsecondary Partnerships at OneGoal-Chicago.
North Park and OneGoal-Chicago support the whole student on a path to graduation. “Having participated in internships and gaining workplace skills has enabled these new graduates to be fully prepared for the next phase of their lives. Moreover, they are incredibly thoughtful and kind adults who are truly ready to emerge from North Park University as global citizens,” says Bhargava.
Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion Citation Presented to Hannah Hawkinson
Kristine E. Strand presented the Ahnfeldt Memorial Medallion to senior Hannah Hawkinson. With a cumulative 4.0 grade point average, Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Biblical and Theological Studies and English. Dr. Mary Veeneman and Dr. Reinhold Dooley, Hannah’s advisors, refer to Hannah as a voracious reader, highly ethical, and concerned about social justice. Dr. Dooley adds, “When I grade her exams, I am the one who does the learning. Ultimately, Hannah is the best kind of student because she is absorbed not in herself, but in the quest for knowledge and truth.”
For her senior project as an English major, Hannah wrote on Maya Angelou. Hannah commented, “Maya’s Spirit is a Spirit who sustains the weak and challenges the strong. This is the God I worship, the Jesus I follow, and the Spirit I love.”
Hannah will be continuing her academic work next year as a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary where she has received a full scholarship.
Two North Park 2016-2017 Academic Year Grads Win Fulbright Awards
Highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education, North Park was named alongside two other Illinois institutions, University of Chicago and Northwestern University as a top Fulbright producer. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program.
Two of our North Park University 2016-2017 academic year graduates won Fulbright awards: Katie Bast and Bethany Joseph.
Charge to Graduates: Sojourn in Truth
Commencements symbolize for new graduates a step out into one’s own sojourn. President Parkyn encourages graduates to, “Sojourn in truth. Begin in faith—love God with your heart. Continue with learning—love God with your mind. Finish in service—love God with your soul. And along the way be keen to listen to the story that comes when you love your neighbor as yourself.”
Starting this spring, North Park serves as one of 15 Illinois Universities chosen to partner with CPS and participate in the program offering CPS teachers an opportunity to further develop their credentials – all at reduced tuition.
Graduate Level Coursework Offered to Licensed Teachers at Discounted Tuition
CHICAGO (May 2017)—Filling high need positions in the Chicago Public School (CPS) system requires continuing education specialization beyond an undergraduate teaching degree. Important additional training combined with costly tuition to cover continuing education studies prompted the launch of the CPS Continuing Endorsement Program. Starting this spring, North Park serves as one of 15 Illinois Universities chosen to partner with CPS and participate in the program offering CPS teachers an opportunity to further develop their credentials – all at reduced tuition. The 15 Partner Illinois Universities tuition discounts range from 5% to 61% with North Park offering a 50% discounted tuition to CPS teachers.
For licensed teachers, the Continuing Endorsement Program provides access to graduate-level course work as well as additional endorsements, licenses, and a variety of master degree options. Programs begin Spring 2017 and are offered on campus, online, at CPS schools, and in hybrid formats. North Park CPS Partner courses range from bilingual to principal preparation where teachers can further develop their skills in these endorsement areas. “We encourage all staff (CPS) to explore these programs because even if you aren’t changing focus, these skills can enhance your practice and help address students’ diverse needs in your existing classrooms,” remarked Matt Lyons, CPS Chief Talent Officer in a letter North Park received.
“High-needs areas like Bilingual and Special Education require additional training and this program is a perfect opportunity to offer licensed teachers continuing education at a reduced tuition so they can go back into the classroom and meet the needs of these students,” stated Dr. Rebecca L. Nelson, North Park Dean, School of Education.
With school districts around the country facing challenges filling high-need positions, CPS reached out to North Park to participate in educating teachers so they can accommodate a diverse student learning profile. “North Park’s School of Education has a long-standing partnership with CPS and we are one of the select universities chosen to offer advanced coursework and licensure for CPS teachers,” expressed Dr. Nelson.
As an approved provider for CPS in the Continuing Endorsement Program, North Park sees this joint partnership with CPS as an effective pathway to both address serving a diverse student population and making it financially feasible for working teachers to obtain additional training.
Each grant will fund a year-long project (beginning in June) that promotes vital worship and faith formation.
April 25, 2017 – The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) announced that it will fund another 33 worship renewal projects for 2017-2018 as part of its Vital Worship Grants Program. As one of the award recipients, Rev. Dr. Debra R. Auger, North Park Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Ministry received $10,550.
These projects have a variety of emphases—visual arts, storytelling, music, preaching, contemplation and more—but have as a common purpose a desire to both deepen people’s understanding of worship and strengthen practices of public worship and faith formation.
Said Kathy Smith, director of the Vital Worship Grants Program: “These collaborative projects bring people together to study, plan and create, foster new learning and nourish intergenerational community in worship.”
This year’s recipients are from around North America and include 20 congregations, one high school, four colleges and universities, three seminaries, and five other organizations, including a retirement community, a military ministry, a hospital ministry, a denominational worship committee and a regional synod. They also represent congregations and schools from 18 denominations, 19 states and two Canadian provinces.
Each grant will fund a year-long project (beginning in June) that promotes vital worship and faith formation, and this year’s awards range from $6,000 to $18,000 per project.
John Witvliet, director of the CICW, believes that the 2017 projects will help the Worship Institute in its own work of both the scholarly study of the theology, history and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities across North America and beyond.
“We learn a tremendous amount from these programs,” he said, “from the wisdom demonstrated in designing them and the insights gleaned from implementing and adapting them as they unfold. We look forward to sharing insights from these projects with a larger audience in our future programming over the next several years.”
This June, project directors and representatives of all 33 grants will gather on Calvin’s campus to dialogue not only with CICW staff, but also with the recipients of 2016 grants, who will come to campus to share the results of their year-long projects at a poster session that is open to the public.
“We look forward to learning and worshiping together,” said Smith, “and watching the new grant recipients learn from the wisdom of those with experience. The grants event is always an energizing time of conversation and sharing stories!”
Since it began in the year 2000, the Vital Worship Grants Program has now awarded 784 grants to churches, schools and organizations across North America for projects that generate thoughtfulness and energy for public worship and faith formation at the local, grass-roots level. An advisory board of pastors and teachers from a variety of backgrounds assisted in the grant selections, and the program is generously supported by Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1937, the Endowment’s major areas of programming are religion, education, and community development.
For more information on the grants program, including a complete list of this year’s grants recipients, please see www.calvin.edu/worship.
2017 Distinguished Senior Awards were presented to Rachael Greco and Nicholas A. Collar
2017 Distinguished Senior Awards Presented to Rachael Evangeline Greco and Nicholas A. Collar
Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Velez Luce presented the 2017 Distinguished Senior Awards to Rachael Evangeline Greco, Batavia, Ill., and Nicholas A. Collar, Deerfield, Wis. during the Honors Convocation on April 24. This honor is bestowed each year to one woman and one man from the graduating class, recognizing extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, superior academic performance, and embodiment of the University’s mission of preparing students for lives of significance and service.
“As part of the selection process, six nominees were invited for interviews, where a committee had the chance to learn about fascinating research projects, passions for social justice and teamwork, volunteerism, honors they’ve received and challenges they’ve overcome,” Melissa said.
Rachael Evangeline Greco, a business and economics major, has spent her North Park years in academic overload just about every semester. She co-leads North Park’s chapter of International Justice Mission, raising awareness about the international, national, and local issue of human trafficking. She’s a Fellow for the Future of the Carnegie Council Global Ethics Network, working under Dr. Ilsup Ahn to raise awareness on campus about selected global ethics issues. When she’s not participating in these North Park responsibilities, she’s been working 25-hours a week and volunteering at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois, teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants.
She was also granted a Fulbright U.S. Student Award for 2017-2018. She will be spending the next year teaching English in Vietnam and plans to continue working at Morningstar, Inc. where she’s interned. She hopes that working in finance will give her opportunities to “create a positive social impact in developing communities through business ventures.”
Rachael was nominated by Professor Pam Schilling. “There is not a better example than Professor Schilling that demonstrates the depths that the faculty here are willing to go for their students. I have spent countless hours in her office as she mentored me through degree changes, course selections, and pushed me to pursue challenging opportunities. I am forever grateful to her and the other faculty here at North Park that have supported me through my academic career.”
She says that she chose North Park for three reasons: its location, the faculty, and the Fulbright reputation. “It was very obvious to me after visiting campus back in 2013 that the professors here want to be engaged by and interact with their students.” She remembers the advice of Dr. Linda Parkyn early in her pursuit of a Fulbright Award: “I remember her telling me to just keep doing what I was doing.”
Her North Park highlight? Her relationships with faculty members. “My experience with the faculty is hands down the best experience I’ve had at North Park. Again, the faculty-student interaction was one of the reasons I decided to come here but I never anticipated how close I would end up getting with my professors.” She is grateful for opportunities she’s had to conduct research with a philosophy professor, work closely with an education professor, and to be mentored by a Spanish professor.
The second recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Senior Award, Nicholas A. Collar, is a biology major and a busy guy. He’s worked in clinical lab research at Swedish Covenant Hospital designing and implementing studies, investigating diagnoses, and gaining proficiency in interpreting medical information. He had the Hugh Edmondson Research Fellowship at the UC Davis Medical Center during his 2015 summer break where he implemented a study sequencing data from blood samples that were positive for Hepatitis B. There he also participated in several shadowing experiences ranging from observing a tumor board meeting, bone marrow biopsy procedure, and the daily tasks of cytology and histology specialists. Nicholas has his sights set on medical school after taking a couple of years off.
His experience isn’t only academic. For several years, Nicholas traveled to rural parts of Honduras, to bring adequate medical care to the local residents in need. He led the 2017 trip as the president for the Honduras Medical/Public Health Brigade, coordinating logistics of the 25-person group, planning and carrying out meetings with group members, board members, and advisors from Honduras and North Park University. While in Honduras, he staffed a multi-station rural clinic that treated 729 patients in three days and worked with the group to construct three sanitation stations all of which significantly improved the public health standards in the region.
When Nicholas isn’t doing lab research or serving his community, he’s a teaching assistant in North Park’s science department. He worked under Dr. Rholl as a microbiology assistant which taught him the behind-the-scenes work in preparing and maintaining a microbiology laboratory. He’s also worked as an anatomy and chemistry tutor and a summer pre-medical student advisor. Nicholas was one of two student advisors responsible for planning, coordinating and orchestrating a 10-day pre-academic year camp for incoming freshman interested in pursuing pre-medical routes at North Park University, and he’s enjoyed continuing relationships with the participants of this program — all of whom are still enrolled and succeeding at North Park.
Nicholas has had wonderful opportunities to work alongside North Park’s accomplished faculty people. One year, he met Dr. Nelson two mornings a week in the Cadaver Lab to dissect Rush Medical College cadavers. “Utilizing this non-class related resource was one of the most significant learning experiences I’ve had at North Park.” Nicholas shadowed Laura Zakowski M.D at University of Wisconsin Health, Mark Collar M.D. at St. Mary’s Hospital, and several others at UC Davis Medical Center. “All of these experiences gave me insight to the level of professionalism needed in my future line of work.”
Leadership through idea sharing spearheaded by North Park senior business and economics major.
Leadership through idea sharing spearheaded by North Park senior business and economics major
CHICAGO, May 3, 2017—North Park University today held its first TEDx event, with the theme Shifting Paradigms. Inspired by a lecture in a Principles of Management & Leadership course, North Park student Paul Clines, a senior business and economics major, presented the idea of hosting a TEDx to his professor. “I’ll show you the steps in getting the TEDx license and you gather the students together,” encouraged Professor Hubbard in mentoring Clines.
Seventy student volunteers formed the solid group—ready-to-learn and open to shaping an effective leadership structure. Likened to a start-up company, the leadership structure consisted of complete transparency, cross collaboration, and a de-constructed organizational design omitting conventional vertical lines of direct reports. Six core team members of faculty, staff and students circulated among the volunteers, supporting all members to be part of the decision-making process.
“Every student is talented,” asserts Professor Hubbard. Guided by this belief, a true cross-collaboration effort evolved into a platform for undergraduate, graduate, faculty, staff, and the community to experience empowerment through idea sharing. “There are so many hidden talents at North Park that are now showcased through bringing TEDx to campus,” adds Professor Hubbard.
Passionate about bringing people and ideas together, Clines says TEDx is about making a positive impact. “TEDx provides a partial escapism while forming friendships, bonds, and connections,” expresses Clines.
TEDx North Park University featured voices and ideas from students, faculty, business professionals, and the community. Speakers included:
Soong-Chan Rah, seminary professor
Hardik Soni, fitness guru
Dominique Jordan Turner, nonprofit CEO
Robby Celestin, singer-songwriter
Nestor Gomez, storyteller
Seanna Wong, storyteller
Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, seminary professor
Bringing the first TEDx event to North Park marks an exciting time in the University’s 125-year history, complemented by earning consistent rankings as one of the “Best Colleges” in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and named—for the third time—a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Students by the U.S. Department of State.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
North Park University is Chicago’s city-centered Christian University.
The Board of Trustees of North Park University has announced the formation of a broadly constituted committee that is charged with recommending to the board a successor to Dr. David L. Parkyn, who will retire as the university’s president on June 30, 2017.
CHICAGO, May 2, 2017 – The Board of Trustees of North Park University has announced the formation of a broadly constituted committee that is charged with recommending to the board a successor to Dr. David L. Parkyn, who will retire as the university’s president on June 30, 2017.
As stated in the bylaws of the university, “the President of the University shall be the chief executive officer of the University, recommended by the Trustees, approved by the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) Board and called by the Annual Meeting of the ECC for an indefinite term.” Each year the Annual Meeting convenes in June, with 2018 the aim for filling this position.
“Possibly the most important job in which the North Park University Board of Trustees engages is recommending a president,” said Dr. Kristine Strand of Boston, Massachusetts, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We invite all who value North Park and its role in Christian higher education to join us in prayer for this process.”
The 15-person committee includes 9 members of the Board of Trustees, two of whom serve ex officio, and 6 members of the campus community – two students, three faculty members, and a representative of staff and administrative employees.
Board members include
Owen R. Youngman, Deerfield, Illinois; committee chair; professor and chair in digital media strategy, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
Kristine Strand, Boston, Massachusetts; chair of the North Park Board of Trustees (serving ex officio); associate professor (retired), department of speech, language, and hearing sciences, Boston University; senior speech-language pathologist and literacy specialist, Learning Disabilities Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital
Gary Walter, Palatine, Illinois; president of the Evangelical Covenant Church (serving ex officio)
Peggy Bley, San Francisco, California; certified public accountant
Rebekah Eklund, Baltimore, Maryland; assistant professor of theology, Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore
D. Darrell Griffin, Chicago, Illinois; pastor, Oakdale Covenant Church
David Helwig, Plymouth, California; president and West Region CEO (retired), WellPoint, Inc.
Karen Meyer, Denver, Colorado; vice president, sales and partnerships, Welltok, Inc.
David Otfinoski, Chester, Connecticut; president, Catamount Medical Information, LLC
Members of the campus community include
Jonathan Peterson, University faculty; assistant professor of politics and government and chair of the North Park Faculty Senate
Alyssa Anderson, University faculty; assistant professor of athletic training
Elizabeth Pierre, Seminary faculty; assistant professor in both the Seminary and School of Professional Studies
Angela Nevoso, president of the undergraduate Student Government Association
Mackenzie Mahon, incoming president of the Seminary Student Association
Roby Geevarghese, major gift officer in the Department of Development and Alumni Relations
“I am honored to lead this committee in its important task,” said Youngman. “This is a key moment both in North Park’s history and for its future. We are seeking a leader who will share our aspiration to see North Park become the nation’s leading city-centered Christian university, and who can lead its faculty, students, staff, and alumni to achieve that goal together.” Past searches that Youngman has chaired include those for the Evangelical Covenant Church’s executive director of communications; faculty at Northwestern’s Medill School; and the senior pastor at Libertyville (Illinois) Covenant Church.
The committee has established an email account where interested constituents can share recommendations, and ideas, and other thoughts about the University and about the search: PresidentialSearch@NorthPark.edu. Regular communications about its work will be published both online and offline. Committee members will also hold “town hall”-style meetings on campus over the balance of this calendar year. “We look forward to receiving broad input at all stages of the process as we move forward with God’s grace and guidance,” said Youngman.
Undergraduate students prepare to launch careers with covetable skills.
North Park is one of the first Universities in Illinois to offer a major in digital marketing. Pioneered by Dr. Trevor James, Chair of SPS business faculty, the curriculum equips students to meet technological advancements in digital and social media. With a network of Chicago-based businesses, the Office of Career Advancement works one-on-one with students to obtain internships and job placement. The digital marketing major joins the suite of quality business programs offered through SPS. The influx of new technology and marketing platforms has created more jobs than there is
The influx of new technology and marketing platforms has created more jobs than there is talent to support this growing industry. “Geared for students with an interest in leading the digital revolution in such positions as a social media manager, digital strategist, or SEO specialist, the BA in Digital Marketing from North Park equips students to get ahead of the learning curve,” says Lori Scrementi, North Park Dean, School of Professional Studies (SPS).
The new degree program is offered beginning fall 2017 and is accepting applications now.
This summer, North Park will be hard at work with new and returning students taking summer classes, high schoolers participating in the annual Summer Science Academy, and hosting this year’s Kids College.
Summer at North Park
After graduation day, North Park University doesn’t come to a complete stop for the year. This summer, North Park will be hard at work with new and returning students taking summer classes, high schoolers participating in the annual Summer Science Academy, and hosting this year’s Kids College.
Summer Sessions
Registration for summer courses at North Park University is now open! There are four sessions over the summer, in May, June, and July. All students are welcome. You don’t have to be a North Parker to take summer classes at the University. Registering for classes is easy, and a great way to earn some college credits, test out different subjects, and acquire knowledge. Registering as current North Park student can be done through WebAdvisor. Summer classes offered are College Physics, General Chemistry, and Spanish as well as a variety of Biblical Studies courses.
“I had an incredible experience at the North Park largely due to the warm and friendly environment of the faculty members and students. I learned a tremendous amount of information this summer and honestly loved every minute of the course.” – Student, New York University, Chem 1150-1160.
Summer Science Academy is a unique hands-on learning experience for high school juniors and seniors taught by expert North Park science faculty. Students have the opportunity to explore North Park’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life and delve into topics ranging from the human body and parasites to food and animal behavior. In addition, students will interact with and receive insight from current North Park science majors serving as mentors. Summer Science Academy begins on July 10 and runs through August 3. Tuition credit is available for those students who choose to resume their education at North Park University.
“My husband and I were so impressed by all that our daughter experienced and accomplished . . . As a CPS teacher, I would recommend these classes to students.” – Sandy, parent
North Park has partnered with Covenant Youth Collision and Ravenswood Covenant Church to bring Kids College to life. Kids College is an affordable athletic and academic summer camp, introducing kids to the Christian faith in a fun and safe environment. Some North Park students are also participating in making this camp happen as counselors and staff for the duration of this six-week program.
This is a student blog post submitted by Melanie Lofgren, C’18. Melanie is a psychology major, with a biblical and theological studies minor. She spent her spring break in Italy with a group of 12 students and two professors. On the trip, students considered the continuity between the life of the earliest Christians in their cities and present-day Christians in the city of Chicago.
This is a student blog post submitted by Melanie Lofgren, C’18. Melanie is a psychology major, with a biblical and theological studies minor. She spent her spring break in Italy with a group of 12 students and two professors. On the trip, students considered the continuity between the life of the earliest Christians in their cities and present-day Christians in the city of Chicago.
Today I’ll share about something I’m not very knowledgeable about, and yet find incredibly interesting and thought-provoking.
Rome and art.
I’ll start at the Vatican. We went to the Vatican museum on Tuesday and spent the day in our groups viewing, listening, and reading. Everything was simply beautiful. The artworks expressed feelings, depicted moments or a series of moments in time, or the feeling of multiple emotions, history, and so much more!
I want to focus on the Sistine Chapel. No pictures were allowed, as I was sternly told by a clearly aggravated Italian man shaking his hand at me. So, sorry, I don’t have any photos. The effort and thoroughness Michelangelo used to paint the chapel are insane to think about, not mention painful with the method he had to use. He depicts the final judgment, stories of Moses, moments in Jesus’s life, prophets, the book of Genesis, the apostles, and more. The amount of Christian history and significance in that room is incredible. Couple that with the one who painted it, and where . . . I was standing in one of the most significant places for Christians, and I’m Protestant.
As I stood in front of piece after piece in different museums, I felt something like what I like to believe the artists were feeling. It’s all subjective and can be interpreted differently, and yet each piece is timeless and has a story. Most Roman art we saw conveyed a historical event or religious belief.
Take the painting by Pietro Aquila, for instance. Located in the Room of Triumphs in
the Capitoline Museum, the battle scene depicts the victory of Alexander over Darius (ca. 1650–92). I am initially frightened because I am extremely uncomfortable, afraid, and disapproving of the violence. However, as I take a closer look I see a deeper message. This is not simply a battle between Alexander the Great and the ultimate defeat of Darius, but it elevates Alexander to a higher level than previously. The sky is clear and bright revealing that this is a good scene. The bird flying overhead could be a scavenger waiting for a meal, a symbol for the inevitability of death. There are faces full of terror and ones of absolute confidence and power.
Before I go, I want to share my favorite painting with you; it’s the fresco of the riot between Pompeiians and Nucerians, 59 A.D., Pompei, Volume IV, plate XXXII by Fausto and Felice Niccolini. This is an illustration of a riot that occurred outside of the amphitheater in Pompeii in 59 CE, speculated to have been between organizations from different towns. It’s distinctive because the artist decided to paint this event rather than a gladiatorial fight, which was the most common use of the amphitheater. They’re also what you’d assume people would want to remember in a painting. It may be that the artist was connected to the riot somehow. The piece takes a bird’s eye perspective which removes the artist from the scene, whether that be to distance themselves to not be triggered by the event or because they were not there, I cannot say. It also is very spread out; each brawl and element are separated from each other, this is very different from the other art we saw during this time and that made it even more interesting. It is just so cool!
Interested in traveling with BTS next spring break?
Next year’s Spring Break Rome-Pompeii tour course, Christian Origins from the City Center, is accepting applications now.
How does 4 credit hours and 10 days in Rome and Pompeii over Spring Break 2018 (March 9-19, 2018) sound?
The BTS department invites students to join them for an experience that they’ll never forget while also getting their second BTS Core course.
Reserve a spot on the tour before they’re all gone! Program leaders: Drs. Joel Willitts & Mary Veeneman.
FOR MORE INFO & TO APPLY: NPU.BTS.ROME@GMAIL.COM
NON-REFUND DEPOSIT DUE: September 12, 2017
Dwight Perry has been called to be the new dean of faculty at North Park Theological Seminary.
Dr. Perry to begin July 1, 2017.
CHICAGO, IL (April 20, 2017) – Rev. Dr. Dwight Perry has been called to be the new dean of faculty at North Park Theological Seminary, as well as professor of homiletics and leadership.
Starting July 1st 2017, Rev. Dr. Perry will serve as Dean of Faculty and Professor of Homiletics and Leadership. “Dr. Perry is an exceptional choice, he comes with extensive pastoral experience, denominational leadership, and academic administration experience,” says Rev. Dr. David Kersten, vice president for church relations and dean of the Seminary. “Rev. Dr. Perry wants to make a significant legacy contribution to the community of pastors and feels particularly called to NPTS and the ECC,” adds Kersten.
Both scholar and practitioner, this rare combination fills a need in theological education. Rev. Dr. Perry is ready to, “serve in academic leadership within an evangelical seminary that is urban in its context, biblical at its foundation, and seeks to equip men and women for the work of the gospel,” notes Rev. Dr. Perry as his career objective. As the first African American to graduate with a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, Rev. Dr. Perry has persevered across many barriers on race and diversity.
Prior to joining NPTS, Rev. Dr. Perry served as regional president/executive minister of Converge Great Lakes where he was known for his straight-talk approach to ministry. He also served as a professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute, as a denominational executive with the Baptist General Conference, and as a senior pastor and associate pastor in several churches in Illinois. He is a sought-after national speaker and is passionate about proclaiming God’s Word. As a pastor and teacher in homiletics, he is one of the premier expository preachers in the U.S.A. He has spoken across the country in the area of diversity and inclusion, homiletics, organizational and systems development especially within a not for profit setting along with strategic planning and leadership development.
Rev. Dr. Perry and his wife Dr. Cynthia Perry, a tenured professor in the College of Education at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories News, Stories
Rachael Evangeline Greco, a business and economics major, has spent her North Park years in academic overload just about every semester. She co-leads North Park’s chapter of International Justice Mission, raising awareness about the international, national, and local issue of human trafficking. She’s a Fellow for the Future of the Carnegie Council Global Ethics Network, working under Dr. Ilsup Ahn to raise awareness on campus about selected global ethics issues. When she’s not participating in these North Park responsibilities, she’s been working 25-hours a week and volunteering at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois, teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants.
The second recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Senior Award, Nicholas A. Collar, is a biology major and a busy guy. He’s worked in clinical lab research at Swedish Covenant Hospital designing and implementing studies, investigating diagnoses, and gaining proficiency in interpreting medical information. He had the Hugh Edmondson Research Fellowship at the UC Davis Medical Center during his 2015 summer break where he implemented a study sequencing data from blood samples that were positive for Hepatitis B. There he also participated in several shadowing experiences ranging from observing a tumor board meeting, bone marrow biopsy procedure, and the daily tasks of cytology and histology specialists. Nicholas has his sights set on medical school after taking a couple of years off.
Take the painting by Pietro Aquila, for instance. Located in the Room of Triumphs in
Before I go, I want to share my favorite painting with you; it’s the fresco of the riot between Pompeiians and Nucerians, 59 A.D., Pompei, Volume IV, plate XXXII by Fausto and Felice Niccolini. This is an illustration of a riot that occurred outside of the amphitheater in Pompeii in 59 CE, speculated to have been between organizations from different towns. It’s distinctive because the artist decided to paint this event rather than a gladiatorial fight, which was the most common use of the amphitheater. They’re also what you’d assume people would want to remember in a painting. It may be that the artist was connected to the riot somehow. The piece takes a bird’s eye perspective which removes the artist from the scene, whether that be to distance themselves to not be triggered by the event or because they were not there, I cannot say. It also is very spread out; each brawl and element are separated from each other, this is very different from the other art we saw during this time and that made it even more interesting. It is just so cool!
